2007 Show Article

Sacramento Wonders in Wood, May 2007

by Molly Schaechtele

Sacramento, the capital of California, is known for many things – its trees, its rivers, its historical old town, its world-class museums, “the Governator” (Arnold Schwarzenegger), and its hot, dry, summer heat. Triple digits sizzle the sidewalks, burn the lawns, and cause the locals to flock to Discovery Park, where they put their boats and themselves in the water at the point where the Sacramento and American Rivers meet. But in the month of May, just before the summer temperatures rise high enough to sear the copper on the capitol dome, the Capital Woodcarvers Association adds its own special attraction to the local scene when they hold their annual woodcarving show and sale, known as “Wonders in Wood”.

This year’s show, held on the weekend of May 5 & 6, focused on the CWA’s goal of educating and mentoring anyone who is interested in learning to carve. On both days of the show, members of the CWA conducted instructional carving demonstrations at regular intervals. On Saturday, Hank Bruett shared his expertise on chip carving; Jim Hanson offered instruction on carving simple faces; Peter Coombes intrigued the crowds with flower carving; and Bob Young revealed the techniques of chain carving. On Sunday, Dave Stetson wowed a large audience with his instruction on carving faces and features; Lonnie Buck attracted a crowd interested in bark carving; and Fred Hanson, always a favorite, taught an eager group how to carve a wolf face.

But carving is carving, and regardless of the medium, the techniques are largely the same. Perhaps to prove that point, and to add an unusual twist to the show as well, the CWA showcased the carving art of three carvers originally from Paete, in the Philippines. The three, Nick Baldemor, Dan Cunanan and Manny Calabig, fascinated both carvers and show-goers alike with elaborate demonstrations of fruit and vegetable carvings. And as if that wasn’t enough, Dan Cunanan then dazzled the crowds (and showered them with ice chips) as he took mallet and chisel in hand and rapidly produced an enormous ice carving of a swan.

Then, perhaps to demonstrate that carving isn’t the only thing you can do with wood, Jerry Bracketti and Will Michaud, of the NorCal Woodturners , spent most of the weekend out on the patio, demonstrating the art of wood turning. Like magicians pulling rabbits from hats, they took blocks of wood and smoothly and swiftly revealed the beautiful bowls and goblets hidden inside each one.

While all of this action helped create the excitement that is so typical of the CWA shows, the carvers and their carvings were undoubtedly the main attraction. 176 carvings were entered into the show competition, and the judging was expertly done by Dave Stetson, a founding member of the Caricature Carvers of America, and a uniquely talented carver in his own right. Dave sized up every carving, one at a time, and gave each his skillful appraisal. After each carving had met his scrutiny, the ribbons were awarded, and the top prizes were allotted as follows: Best of Show – Diana Kwan, for her painted chip carving; 2nd Best of Show – Frank Devine, for a much admired carved clock; and 3rd Best of Show – Nick Baldemor, for the mother and child relief which he had graciously donated to the CWA and which was the grand prize in the show’s fundraising raffle. Other awards were: People’s Choice – Don Percell, for his irresistible owls in a tree; Caricature Carvers of America – Andy Hiroshima for his carving entitled “Nacho Cheese”; Sacramento Bee Award – Andy Hiroshima for his stylized fish; Stephen Yap Novice Memorial Award – Bill Splaine for his carved fish; and Best Table Award – a well-deserving Nelson Krouse.

As usual, the CWA held a whittling contest on both days of the show. Both contests were organized by Bob Howarth, who presented the whittlers with a fun challenge each day. Saturday’s project was a donkey, and was won by Bob Travis. Sunday’s project was a wild boar, and when the chips settled, Dave Stetson had taken first place. Everyone had a rousing good time!

To round out the show, the CWA held hourly prize drawings, a silent auction, and the Grand Raffle. In addition, the show hall and lobby were lined with vendors who showcased an extensive assortment of carvings and carving supplies, in addition to an eclectic mix of artful offerings which included delightful iron sculptures, beautiful gourd art, detailed animal portraits, fun wood toys and crafts, exquisite art glass, and intricate palm seed carvings.

The Capitol Woodcarvers Association’s 2007 “Wonders in Wood” show was a great success, attracting some of the best woodcarvers and other artists from all over California – and beyond. This consistently innovative show has become a huge draw, and created an excitement that builds year upon year, developing a loyal following in the carving community. Yes, California’s capital city has a lot to offer, but those in the know seek out the CWA’s “Wonders in Wood”, for a show that dazzles the eye, stimulates creativity, and sends everyone home with a desire to practice a new skill or technique.

If you have travel plans for next May, add Sacramento to your list of places to visit. For more information about the Capital Woodcarvers Association, visit their website at www.karving.org.